Shadow of the Thin Man

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Shadow of the Thin Man

Released Nov 21, 1941

1h 37m

Comedy

Drama

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88%

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8 Reviews

78%

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2,500+ Ratings

In San Francisco, retired Detective Nick Charles (William Powell) and his attractive wife, Nora (Myrna Loy), learn from police Lt. Abrams of the murder of a race jockey, but Nick refuses to get involved. Approached later by athletics commission head Maj. Jason Scully and reporter Paul Clarke (Barry Nelson), Nick still declines to investigate. When another reporter is murdered and Paul is arrested, Nick gives way to Nora's plea and, with their fox terrier Asta, sets out to solve the murders.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Shadow of the Thin Man reminds us that, despite six films in the Thin Man series, it’s the consistency and enduring quality of these elements that kept contemporary audiences coming back for more.

Rated: 3.5/4

Aug 15, 2022

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Mattie Lucas

From the Front Row

It's more focused on the mystery than its predecessor, which keeps the action more engaging, and the comedy is sharper - although at this point they're basically repeating all the same jokes.

Rated: 2.5/4

Nov 29, 2021

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

[UPDATED 2024 BLU-RAY REVIEW] The best element of the entire series remains the love between Nick and Nora Charles -- the actors' chemistry is intoxicating, and their flirtatious banter never fails to delight.

Rated: 3.5/4

Aug 21, 2021

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Cole Smithey

ColeSmithey.com

Rated: 4/5

Mar 8, 2008

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 4/5

Aug 17, 2005

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

It makes for lightweight entertainment.

Rated: B

Aug 17, 2005

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Madam D

Being part of a series, there is nothing new here but the film continues to entertain.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/08/25

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Howie L

Thin Man Movies are like a wonderful meal of comfort food.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/04/24

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nick s

A little too stagey for me. The actors sounded like they were delivering lines at each other rather than communicating. The humour was shoehorned in and wasn't terribly amusing. It did have some good production value, but overall a slog to watch.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/12/24

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Joel H

I don't know how they did it, but the Thin Man film series is still going strong four movies in. Shadow of the Thin Man is another enjoyable journey with Nick & Nora Charles. And, once again, the mystery is entertaining, but the real amusement comes from the interactions between William Powell and Myrna Loy. Their on-screen relationship is the main reason why I keep watching these movies. I was also impressed by Stella Adler's performance and it was fun to see Donna Reed in a supporting role. I still think the first film is the best, but I'm excited to watch the final two movies the Thin Man franchise.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/09/24

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acsdoug D

I didn't care much for this one. It's played more for laughs and cuteness than an actual murder mystery.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

06/22/23

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Russ G

As is usual with these Hollywood whodunnit's, there are too many suspects and plot twists to expect the viewer to keep up, but that's hardly the point. Mr. Powell is debonair, Miss Loy is lovely in her sharp suits, stylish hats, and gowns, and the supporting cast is competent. However, the REAL star of this is Astra! Oh, Donna Reed appears in a supporting role but she'd be on to bigger and better things within a year or two.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

Full Review

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W. S. Van Dyke II

Director

William Powell

Nick Charles

Myrna Loy

Nora Charles

Barry Nelson

Paul Clarke

Donna Reed

Molly Ford

Sam Levene

Lieutenant Abrams

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Synopsis

In San Francisco, retired Detective Nick Charles (William Powell) and his attractive wife, Nora (Myrna Loy), learn from police Lt. Abrams of the murder of a race jockey, but Nick refuses to get involved. Approached later by athletics commission head Maj. Jason Scully and reporter Paul Clarke (Barry Nelson), Nick still declines to investigate. When another reporter is murdered and Paul is arrested, Nick gives way to Nora's plea and, with their fox terrier Asta, sets out to solve the murders.

Director: W. S. Van Dyke II
Producer: Hunt Stromberg
Screenwriter: Irving Brecher, Harry Kurnitz
Production Co: Metro Goldwyn Mayer
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 21, 1941, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2009
Runtime: 1h 37m

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